Midwest Region Elite 8 Game Breakdown
Kansas once again won another close contest, this time holding off Clemson by a score of 80-76 to reach the Elite Eight. After Devonte’ Graham dropped 29 in the first round and Malik Newman scored 28 against Seton Hall, Kansas was much more balanced against Clemson. Newman and Graham led the team in scoring with 17 and 16, respectively, but the Jayhaws also got 14 points out of Udoka Azubuike and 13 from Lagerald Vick.
Duke too was involved in a very close contest to reach the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils slipped past ACC for Syracuse by the score of 69-65. Amazingly, Marvin Bagley III led Duke with 22 points. He has been Duke’s top scorer with 22 points in every game so far during the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils did not shoot well from beyond the arc, mostly due to Grayson Allen’s 3-of-14 shooting from long range, but they were able to crack the zone inside the arc.
This should be a fun, high scoring contest between Kansas and Duke. Both teams are not afraid to hoist up plenty of three-pointers, although the Jayhawks have had more success in that department during the regular season and in the NCAA Tournament. Duke has Bagley though and his presence in the paint could be the difference. Azubuike needs to be productive on both ends of the floor or Duke could win this game even if Allen is struggling with his shot again on Sunday.
